Editor’s note: In a continuing series, the Alameda Journal has asked some of its original staffers to reflect back on their time with the publication as the newspaper celebrates its 20th year of service to Alameda readers.

By Joe King

Twenty years ago this past April, John Crittenden and John McNulty founded our Alameda Journal with a dedication and a hope that it would become the kind of hometown newspaper Alamedans want. As one of its columnists and an occasional feature writer from the paper’s first issue, it’s been an exciting and rewarding experience seeing how well their promise has been fulfilled.

To launch the new enterprise, Crittenden’s real estate office building at the corner of Park Street and Otis Drive became the newspaper’s publishing base. Cramped quarters to be sure, but from its inception the Journal has benefited from a cooperative and friendly group of reporters, editors and production staff eager to make the adventure work. Gail Van Amberg, Woody Minor and sports editor Mike Cooper were quality writers while Jim Spratley and Mary Anne Stanley proved hard working, yet unflappable at putting their efforts together with needed advertising.

That original staff has changed over the years; nevertheless, to my knowledge, the paper never experienced the power struggle which often exists between the editorial and advertising staffs in some newspapers. Though unspoken, there seemed to be a tacit agreement concerning the importance of both. The dedicated management style of publisher John Crittenden had much to do with all this, I’m sure.

An in-house gold mine was discovered after only a dozen issues, when copy editor Gloria Salvante (Nee Morales) moved up to become the paper’s chief editor. It was her skill and ingenuity which developed the paper’s format, including its eventual full size issues.

It soon became obvious that a larger facility was imperative to accompany the Journal’s growing staff, and its status as Alameda’s main newspaper. Headquarters were moved to a two-story building at 1414 Park Ave. (opposite the city parking lot in the middle of the block).

Meanwhile, my own column-writing abilities were improving.

I had been composing Thoughts on the Run each week for a year when Don McDowell, a school principal and friend, confided at a social gathering, “I’d read your column, Joe, but it’s too darn long!” Tough love, no?

Instead of getting peeved, I took a closer look at my efforts: McDowell was right! One thousand to 1,200 words could tax even a friendly reader’s patience. Eight to nine hundred became a goal (and, eventually, 600). As I used to tell my high school students, write concisely and try to avoid being wordy. Thanks to McDowell’s brief, but timely critique, the column received more write-in compliments.

Before moving to its present location at 1516 Oak St., the Alameda Journal had become a twice-weekly publication with a lengthy, city-wide and out-of-town list of regular subscribers. After Gloria Salvante moved to the Clear Lake area with her husband and daughter, Lucinda Ryan took over editor duties with smooth efficiency.

Then, in April 2006, Ryan gained a promotion with the company and Jeff Mitchell has proven a very capable replacement. And, as was recently announced, Jeff will be moving on to other duties. In his stead the helm of the AJ will be transferred to the very capable hands of veteran journalist Connie Rux. We wish her well.

I realize this many words of praise may seem a little much; but they truly reflect my own experiences with the Alameda Journal. I’ve never worked any place, including a large parking garage and at two shipyards while in high school, and later Boys’ Club work and teaching in two different high schools, where everyone has worked together as amiably and cooperatively as with this paper.

An amazing stroke of luck considering deadlines and other inter-personal facets of publishing the town’s leading newspaper.

Alameda Journal columnist Joe King wrote the paper’s very first front page feature story. He’s been a scribe for the publication ever since. Reach him at alamedanews@bayareanewsgroup.com

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